August De Boeck, historic churches and farmsteads, a central park and several routes offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Merchtem. If you are looking for a hotel in Merchtem, you can start by considering whether architectural history, a visit to the park, or routes on foot and by mountain bike best suit your interests.
Culture and local traditions
Composer August De Boeck was born and raised in Merchtem. The August De Boeckhuis in Merchtem houses a museum dedicated to the composer. Stilting is also closely associated with the area: it is firmly established as a local tradition in Merchtem, Peizegem and the hamlet of Langevelde. The stilts used are not attached to the feet or body and are between 1 and 4 metres high. Since 2018, stilting has been listed in the Flemish Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Merchtem’s annual fair also includes a fairground on Tuesday.
Churches and farmsteads through the ages
The churches offer a chance to compare different architectural styles and features. The Sint-Gudulakerk van Hamme is an early Gothic church dating from around 1680. Its features include a 16th-century Gothic baptismal font made of white stone, as well as Baroque and marble works of art from the 17th century. The restored Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk van Ossel is a three-aisled village church with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its sandstone western tower dates from around 1300, and its features include a Baroque high altar.
The farmsteads also tell different chapters of architectural history. Hof ter Spelt, also known as Appelkot, retains the layout of a medieval motte surrounded by a moat. The country house, coach house and landscaped garden date from around 1860. Hof te Hobosch, also known as Verbrande Hoeve, was first mentioned in 1650. It was probably originally built as the farmstead of the Hobosch knights, who also lived at the Borcht in the centre. At Hof Ten Houte, the extensively renovated tower dates from the late 13th century. Ten Houte was once a fortified site completely surrounded by ramparts.
Spanjaardshof was originally called Hof te Steenberg and was part of a large 16th-century estate with a castle, watermill and chapel. The present-day enclosed farmstead, with its rectangular courtyard, dates from the second half of the 18th century. Together with the two churches and the other farmsteads, it offers a range of examples for comparing architectural forms and historical periods.
Park, walking and mountain biking
The Lijsterbespark, covering just over 2 hectares, is in the centre of Merchtem and has a nature trail running through it. Some areas of the park have been made accessible to wheelchair users. As accessibility may change, it is worth checking the current situation before your visit. The park thus combines a green break with a short nature trail focused on the local area.
There are several different options for walking. The Hellepad is 12 kilometres long. The Banmolenwandeling passes the Passerel van Pipenpoy's, an old toll mill that has been converted into a drinks and dining venue. The Callariswandeling explores the open countryside of Brussegem, with rolling fields, small landscape features and occasional patches of woodland. It also passes a pond near Hunsbergbos, considered a good spot for observing frogs. The routes therefore offer different themes: a former mill, the landscape, and a nature-watching spot.
If you would like to go mountain biking, choose the Feestroute according to the distance you prefer: it has 23-, 32- and 42-kilometre options. Together with the 12-kilometre Hellepad, it gives you a clear choice between walking and mountain biking, as well as between the available route lengths.
Plan your journey
Merchtem railway station is on the Dendermonde–Brussels line. Bus services run on routes 21, 46, R45 and 543. If you are planning to travel by train or bus, check the latest timetables in advance; bus information in particular may change.
Discover more destinations
Rebecq, Heverlee, Rixensart, Lasne, Ramillies, Oud-Heverlee, Lubbeek, Nivelles
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